It has been over six months since I last shared my thoughts with you. Nope, I wasn’t swallowed up in a fish like Jonah or lost in space. I was mostly tired and discouraged. God has gently pulled me out of my pity party and given me this story. Enjoy!
First, a little background.
My husband and I have been home for a few weeks recovering from the dreaded COVID-19 virus. It has really knocked me down, more so than Chris, but as scripture teaches:
“And we know that in all things God works for good for those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” Romans 8:28
Do you ever fantasize about cuddling up under a soft blanket while watching a favorite movie on your big screen TV, no responsibilities or must do lists stalking you? Reality check. When you are sick, nothing really matters. Nothing except your relationship with the Savior, your family and regaining your health. Nothing. There is not a blockbuster movie, yummy food or activity that will provide true restoration. Spending too much time cuddling up on the couch results in a sore back and a deep longing for the day you will feel “useful” again. Work is genuinely a gift from God. Work of any kind, not just the brand that offers a paycheck.
“When God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept thier lot and be happy in their toil-this is a gift from God” Ecclesiastes 5:19
This summer I read a book by Janet Parshell called “Buyer Beware: Finding Truth in the Marketplace of Ideas”. Her book often referenced Paul Bunyan’s book from the 1600s entitled “The Pilgrim’s Progress”. I had listened to the audiobook a couple of Summers ago, and now was inspired to read the book, this time with my eyes. If you’re considering this as a winter read, buy an updated version as the “thees and thous” were way too thick for this simple girl to wade through.
“The Pilgrims Progress” is an allegory of a Christian’s journey toward home. The book describes the pitfalls, battles, and poor choices made during this trek. It adds humor and insight to this journey while introducing the reality that we meet a variety of fellow travelers along the way. These companions can make the journey more pleasant and guide us on the true path or cause excruciating pain and lead us on an unfortunate costly road. Remeber the funny line from the movie “Planes, Trains and Automobiles?” “Your going the wrong way”!!!!! This happens quite often in this book.
While I am reading about this trecherous journey, my husband and I decided to watch a film of the trilogy “The Lord of the Rings” by J. R.R. Tolkien. For those of you unfamiliar with this series, it is a story of two Hobbits and their compainions. This group was deemed “The Fellowship of the Ring” as they were on quite the adventure to transport and destroy an evil ring of gold in the fires of Mordor. The ring had power that made evil grow in the heart. Yes, I know; very far fetched, but they are fantasy books after all. However, not so far from the good versus evil that we as believers battle on a daily basis.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devils’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but the rulers, authorities and powers of this dark world and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:10-12
With so many analogies offered up into this pea brain of mine over the last few weeks, God once again was able to pry open my imagination and gave me this story to share. He has reminded me of many truths lately. He is the impetus for writing to my blog friends and family today. He wanted me to share this picture story with you.
Try to picture this. There is a wide open meadow, maybe ten acres or more. The mountains jutting up in the background are covered with snow and ringed with fluffy clouds. The dark green grass is unusually soft on bare feet, the wild flowers are releasing a sweet aroma into a slight breeze.
In the distance you see a man, and he appears to be waiting, expectantly. His face is full of love and mercy. There is a slight twinkle in His eyes as a filthy, breathless, wretch runs up to Him and falls to His feet. The words stumbling out of this poor wretch are ones that have been uttered many, many times. Tears find their way down this dirty face that is unable to look up into the eyes of grace.
The Master of Mercy sits on the soft grass and comforts this poor sinner. Forgiveness is offered, grace is provided. The Master turns tears into joy, filth into purity and fear into faith, once again. “
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” Mathew 5:28
I say “once again” as this is not the first trip to the meadow for this poor wretch. You see, there have been so many trips to the Master of Mercy, that under normal wear and tear, there would be ruts in that meadow. Deep crevasses caused by decades of return trips to the master by our hero, decades.
However the Master of Mercy, renews and restores the meadow after every visit from this weary traveler. He makes the path smooth and safe. His heart welcomes this traveler as it is the very first visit, the very first admission of failure and request for forgiveness.
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has removed our transgressions from us.” Psalms 102:12
This is how our Lord sees us brothers and sisters. He does not see us as deserters of the truth, cowards, or hopeless failures. He only sees that we are His; He has made us what we were not. He longs for us to come again and again to that meadow of peace, so that he can offer restoration, wholeness and strength to return to the Battle called Life.
Are you like me? Running to the Master of mercy with expectation and fear of the crushing look of disapproval? Do you anticipate a finger shaking, tongue clicking, lecturing response to your guilt and shame?
Let the One who loves you most offer you a reprive from the heavy, haunting burden of guilt. Let His blood wash you clean, and clean again. You are loved with an never ending love.
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail.” Lamentations 3:22
“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowlege-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:17-19
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